Assam approves ₹7,876.45-cr multiple infra projects

Assam government has announced multiple infra projects involving ₹7,876.45 crore. The state cabinet has also sanctioned ₹3,107 crore for the construction of a four-lane bridge connecting Palasbari on the outskirts of Guwahati airport with Sualkuchi, known for its textile industry centred around Assam silk. The proposed bridge will cut the distance between Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati and Lower Assam districts by 25 km. The 4.08-km-long structure will also provide seamless connectivity from the airport to Amingaon on the northern bank of the river, where IIT Guwahati is located. The cabinet has also decided to upgrade 34 polytechnic institutes and 43 government ITIs to 'centres of excellence' in association with Tata Technologies Ltd (TTL).

Under the same project, worth ₹2,390 crore has been cleared for providing facilities including upgrading skills and allied training for workers working in tea and food processing, handicrafts and textiles industries in the state. Administrative approval of ₹2,000 crore was accorded to construct four new medical colleges and hospitals in Bongaigaon, Dhemaji, Golaghat and Morigaon. Besides, the contract to build the terminal and riverine infrastructure at Guwahati Gateway Ghat involving ₹289.45 crore investments was also awarded. A state PSU 'Assam Inland Waterways Company Ltd (AIWCL)' will be formed to establish, maintain and operate cost-effective water transportation services, including river cruises, within Assam and AIWCL will also develop and maintain all-weather ports, jetties and passenger terminals.